Fibroadenoma: a benign but sometimes bothersome nodule
A fibroadenoma is a benign nodule in the female breast. It is typical for a fibroadenoma to be firm, smooth and clearly defined. Also, when touching the breast it can be felt that the nodule is mobile. The size can be very different: Fibroadenoma with a diameter of less than one to more than 15 cm are possible. An estimated ten out of every 100 women develop such a nodule. This makes fibroadenoma the most common benign breast disease. Most women are between 15 and 35 years old at diagnosis. But fibroadenoma can also occur later.
Echotherapy treats fibroadenoma with ultrasound only. To use ultrasound for therapy multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound are concentrated on a target area. The resulting focused ultrasound beam is highly energetic and generates a temperature rise at the focus point. This technology resembles the use of a magnifying glass when beams of sunlight are focused to generate heat. A single beam is of such low energy that it doesn’t cause harm to the surrounding tissue and can pass the skin easily.
But at the focal point where all ultrasound beam comes together the desired therapeutic effect is taking place. By generating heat in the target area cells are destroyed and subsequently broken down and removed through regular biological processes. This causes a significant volume reduction in the first months after therapy and relief of symptoms like pain and deformation of the breast. Studies have shown average volume reductions of approx. 60% only 6 months past therapy.
Echotherapy for fibroadenoma
Prior to treatment the physician will confirm the diagnosis using various diagnostic tools which may include visual ultrasound, blood tests and biopsy. Diagnostic is important to rule out malignancy. Once test results have confirmed your eligibility for echotherapy the treatment session can be scheduled. At the treatment day the physician will conduct a final check by making the ultrasound before starting therapy. For the treatment there is an initial planning phase in which the physician decides upon the exact parts he wants to treat to get ideal results. If you are nervous the physician may decide to offer local anesthesia and some medication to reduce anxiety and pain.
Contact usHow to treat fibroadenoma
The treatment itself consists of a pulse and pause scheme: A pulse of therapeutic ultrasound is delivered for a few seconds followed by a several seconds long pause in which the skin gets to rest and cool down a bit. Pulses are provided until the complete target area is treated as planned initially. At the end of the treatment which usually takes 20 – 60 minutes, the physician will make a final check with visual ultrasound. After treatment patients can go back home and resume regular daily activities.
If you would like to receive further information about centers close to you which over echotherapy for the treatment of fibroadenoma have a look at our center map or reach out to us through our contact form.